Why I Wish I Had Eloped & Why I’m an Elopement Photographer

Elopements are an extremely intentional way of getting married. They’re all about crafting an adventurous and meaningful day that’s about the two of you – the ones actually getting married! I wish I knew that. I wish I had known what eloping was really all about and what other options I had.

You see, when I got married I wasn’t a photographer at the time and honestly knew nothing about elopements. The only thing I thought I knew about elopements was that you went to the courthouse and got married – end of story.

How wrong I was!

I honestly had dreamed of a huge wedding ever since I was a little girl and as I got older that dream never really went away. I had a very specific vision in my mind and I was determined to have it. I remember one day I was searching online for my perfect venue. I came across one and I thought, “This is it!!” So, I set up a date to go check it out with my parents and I fell in love.

However, this venue was about 45 minutes from where I lived and was out of the way. It was down a long winding road in the middle of nowhere. My Dad was extremely hesitant. “I don’t know Courtney. It might be too long of a drive for some people.”

I barely even started planning my wedding and it was already all about the guests.

Eventually he realized it was fine after a lot of convincing and so I got my dream wedding venue. I was stoked! I went on planning my wedding as usual and went on to have my wedding. I loved my wedding day as it was the day I got to marry the love of my life and my best friend and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

However, looking back on my wedding day I would 100% have eloped in the mountains with my immediate family – the people I actually care about and make a difference in my life.

Here’s why:

When I look back on my wedding day I see that I hardly got to eat the meal I picked out for everyone as I was rushed off for quick sunset photos. I see that I had one mini cupcake when dessert is my all time favorite and I had spent time picking out a lavish dessert bar. I see that my husband and I hardly got to enjoy each other’s presence as we were constantly trying to make everyone feel welcomed or listening to speeches and pretending to laugh when inside I really just wanted everyone to stop talking.

I remember sitting at our sweet heart table and I looked at him and said, “I feel like this isn’t our wedding.” He agreed.

I see that I had people at my wedding that I didn’t even know and people that I hardly even spoke to, because I had lists from my parents and in-laws of people whom HAD to be invited for them. Not for us, but for them. How ridiculous! I see that I spent loads of time making decorations that were just thrown away or stuffed into the garage.

I see a day that was about everyone else.

It was a large dinner party put on for my family – and people I didn’t know! That’s not how it should be. That’s not what people should be seeing when they look back on their wedding day.

So, that’s why I do what I do. This is why I’m an Elopement Photographer.

I’m here to give you another way to get married and to let you know that you have another option if you feel a traditional wedding isn’t right for you, because I wish I had someone like me to tell me what elopements are actually about. I don’t want anybody to look back on their wedding day and see what I see.

You shouldn’t feel pressured into having a day that doesn’t feel right for you. Your wedding should be about YOU and not everyone else! I believe you deserve to have a wedding day that’s crafted around the two of you.

Oh, and guess what?! Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean that you deserve any less than someone having a traditional wedding.

Think about this – Someone who has a traditional wedding will typically have their photographer there for a minimum of 8 hours to capture their whole day. So, why should elopements be any different?! THEY SHOULDN’T! I believe you deserve to have your elopement experience documented from beginning to end. Eloping comes down to the type of experience you want to have on your wedding day.

It’s about creating an entire day that you can look back on and actually want to do all over again! Your elopement day is a story and it’s a story that deserves to be told!

Elopements aren’t about purposefully leaving your family out or running away and getting married at the courthouse. They’re about getting married exactly how you want! They’re about creating an experience that reflects the two of you. If you love hiking then go hiking on your elopement day! If you love mountain drives and exploring national parks then create an adventurous day all about hitting up the most amazing locations.

There are no rules to eloping! If you can dream it up, you can do it!

Why I Focus on Adventure Elopements in the Outdoors

I grew up going to the mountains every summer. We would go hiking and camping or stay in a secluded cabin by a lake. My love for the outdoors is why I focus on Adventure Elopements and elopements that take place in nature.

There’s something about being away from busy cities and only being able to hear the wind, birds chirping and the rivers racing down that brings complete solitude.

I love going on a good hike that brings epic views. I love seeing stunning waterfalls crash down. I love the solace of a lake a sunrise when nobody is around. Being in the mountains is one of my greatest joys and photographing couples on such a special day of their lives in that type of scenery couldn’t make me happier!

It’s a job that I love and I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love! It’s amazing to see couples get married in the way they truly want knowing there won’t be any regrets. It’s so special to me to be a part of that and knowing that I helped them plan and create a day that they’ll be able to look back on with a huge smile on their face. It’s incredible to know that there are amazing people, like you, who trust me to tell the story of their epic adventure elopement. I’m so honored to do that for you!

Looking for someone to guide you through planning your epic elopement?!

If you’re looking for a meaningful and adventurous elopement day I would be stoked chat with you! I’m here to guide you through every step of planning and elopement. You won’t feel lost or unsure what to do, because I’ll be here for you helping you pick out the perfect location for you to say your vow, helping you plan out your activities and guiding you through the logistics of planning. Ready to get started planning the epic adventurous elopement of your dreams without regret?! Contact me >HERE< and let’s friggin’ do this!!

I'm so friggin' stoked you landed here! I'm an Adventure Elopement Photographer, but my role is so much more than just an Elopement Photographer.

I DON'T JUST BOOK YOU, SHOW UP, AND SAY BYEEEE!

Getting to know you is extremely important to me so that I create the ultimate elopement experience that's crafted around you. We'll be spending a lot of time together and I want to make sure we'll be a great fit so that your elopement day can be the best it possibly can be.

I'm here to make your life SO much easier and I'm so excited to do so!! I'm here to keep your day and planning process as stress-free as possible. I'm not about stressing out and I especially don't want you losing your mind on your elopement day! I'm here to guide you through every single step.

If you're looking for an adventurous, meaningful and wild experience on your elopement day then let's friggin' do this!!

Hey, I'm Courtney!

Elopement Photographer

Contact me about your elopement!

"Planning for our day and the day itself would have been completely different without Courtney. We only knew that we wanted to share our vows in the Tuscan countryside and have beautiful photos, and Courtney planned the perfect agenda for that to happen. She coordinated our timing around sunset, and not only were the photos breathtaking, but the actual evening was too. I remember looking out over the vineyards as the sun set, the view becoming more and more stunning by the minute. There were no moments that felt forced or posed, every shot was comfortable and fun and full of love.

Courtney is such a sweet, kind, fun person and we truly enjoyed spending the day with her. Courtney helped us to turn our dreams into reality, and we hardly had to do a thing. She allowed us to be in control of our day but gently took all of our wants and needs into consideration while making everything happen. Lastly, our pictures are just magical. Courtney is an incredibly talented photographer, and I feel so lucky that we were able to work with her. I would recommend her over and over again to anyone eloping."

Ellie & Zac

"Let. Me. Tell. You. It's not the technical aspects of photography that are the most difficult. It's the human aspect. Remembering that as a Photographer, you may be behind the lens but you are still a human, in front of other humans, in some of the most raw and intimate of moments. Courtney balances both of these necessities (but rarities) with poise, great direction, and an overall kind calmness that just makes you breathe a sigh of relief. If you've come across Courtney's page and see what you like already, BOOK HER NOW. Don't spend another second looking for another Photographer that doesn't bring anywhere near the amazing light and spirit that this girl brings right here. Thank you again Courtney for allowing my husband and I to marry each other all over again! The images are stunning and I can't wait to blow them up and hang them in our home."

Shannon & Brandon

When my now husband and I started planning our elopement, we were confused to the max. We didn’t know where to start or how to go about planning anything. We knew we wanted to get married in Ireland, but had too many options on exactly where. After doing some research of elopements on the web, I was scrolling on Pinterest and came across some BEAUTIFUL photos taken of an elopement in Ireland. Those moments were captured by, yep you guessed it, Courtney!

Her website and Courtney herself made the process so easy. She is organized, professional, sweet, and so so funny!! Courtney does more than just photograph your day, she cares about you having the BEST day! She helped us plan EVERYTHING! Even down to the little details, like what type of shoes to wear! She helped us narrow down where, giving us her informative opinions on each of our options! She gave us cool ideas that we could incorporate into our special day. No idea was too big! When the day came, we had the absolute best time exploring and getting married! After we exchanged our vows, we went to celebrate at a local pub (Courtney’s idea ;) ). It was a blast!!

Our elopement was an absolute DREAM COME TRUE! I will never be able to thank Courtney enough for making it happen. So for anyone on the fence, swaying back and forth about whether or not work with Courtney on your big day, SWAY NO MORE! You’ve found your person!! My day couldn’t have been any better and my pictures are beautiful and capture the fun we had!!! I can’t wait to work with her again!

Taylor & andrew

"Working with Courtney was an extremely easy experience, seamless, positive and obviously fun. My wife and I went on our honeymoon and wanted to surprise her with a surprise honeymoon adventure session. Courtney worked with me to make that dream gift for my wife a reality. Meeting and posing for a photographer for the first time can be intimidating, but with Courtney it was anything but that.

Courtney is extremely positive and helpful and made us feel very comfortable in front of the camera. She played some of our favorite songs and before we knew we were just having fun and she was catching them every second. Perhaps the best part of our session was that Courtney knew all the characteristic and peaceful places of where we were, which made our photos even more extraordinary. She kept the focus was on my wife and me. When we shared our images with friends and relatives, everyone complimented on Courtney's aesthetics and the emotion she was able to capture. I can't thank Courtney enough for exceeding all our expectations with this photo shoot!!"

NINA & JASON

"Pick her -- she's the best! Courtney is amazing! Seriously! If you're thinking about eloping you should snatch her up to capture your day. She makes the entire experience fun and relaxed plus the pictures just blew us away. I will never forget our magical time in Venice and I'm obsessed with the gorgeous photos Courtney took of us. She's so so good!"

Jami & Tim

Courtney is not only a talented photographer, but she makes you feel so comfortable even though being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking! She did such an amazing job with our day and if I had to pick my favorite photo it would take FOREVER, because I love so many! Definitely consider her if you want adventurous and beautiful photos coupled with an amazing experience!